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Document Type

Research Paper

Abstract

This research paper examines the role and effectiveness of the National Education Association as a lobbying organization within the United States governmental process. The author begins by contextualizing the history and definition of lobbying, noting that while the practice is as old as legislation itself, it remains a controversial yet essential supplement to the formal mechanisms of government. The study highlights both the beneficial aspects of lobbying, such as providing legislators with expert data, and the potential for abuse when powerful minorities subordinate the general welfare. 

The core of the paper focuses on the structure and methods of the National Education Association, particularly its Division of Legislation and Federal Relations. The association is depicted as a sophisticated pressure group that mirrors the professional influence of the American Medical Association. Its techniques involve a dual-level approach: maintaining direct, diplomatic contact with Congressional leaders in Washington and mobilizing a vast network of over 600,000 members at the local level to influence representatives through informed correspondence and personal interviews. 

A significant portion of the analysis is dedicated to a case study of the Kelley Bill, a 1955-1956 legislative effort to provide federal aid for school construction. Despite an intensive campaign by the National Education Association and a favorable recommendation following the White House Conference on Education, the bill ultimately failed in the House of Representatives. The author attributes this defeat to a complex mix of factors, including opposition from groups like the Chamber of Commerce, the introduction of controversial anti-segregation amendments, and a perceived lack of flexibility by National Education Association lobbyists. In conclusion, the author reflects on the necessity of education-based lobbying while expressing personal concerns regarding the potential for federal control of schools.

Research Highlights

  • The Problem: This study addresses the impact of the National Education Association (NEA) as a lobby, specifically examining its Division of Legislation and Federal Relations and its role in influencing United States legislators. 

  • The Method: The researcher conducted a qualitative analysis involving historical research of the NEA since 1857, interviews with Congressional administrative assistants and NEA officials, and a case study of the NEA's influence on the Kelley Bill (H.R. 7535) during the 84th Congress. 

  • Quantitative Finding: The NEA 1955-56 membership totaled 659,190; the organization spent $27,726.87 on lobbying in the first half of 1956; the Kelley Bill failed in the House by a record vote of 194 yeas to 224 nays on July 5, 1956. 

  • Qualitative Finding: The NEA utilizes a multi-level strategy including political education of local members, direct contact with Congressional leaders, and collaboration with national agencies; the failure of the Kelley Bill was attributed to the anti-segregation amendment, opposition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American Legion, and a perceived lack of constructive suggestions from lobbyists regarding controversial provisions. 

Publication Date

1-1957

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

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